Deakin students shine at 2025 Victorian International Education Awards

From neuroscience to construction and technology, three Deakin innovators are redefining what international education can achieve for global innovation and impact.

This year, three remarkable leaders from the Deakin student and alumni community were recognised for their outstanding achievements in their respective fields at the Victorian International Education Awards, a celebration of the people shaping the future of Victoria’s global education community. These highly competitive awards, organised by Study Melbourne, spotlight the transformative contributions of international students and alumni, drawing entries from across the state’s top institutions and celebrating those who elevate Victoria as a global education leader.

Their journeys reflect the heart of Deakin’s approach to learning: combining academic excellence, real‑world opportunity and a culture that amplifies purpose.

Pioneering the future of neuroscience

Named International Student/Graduate Entrepreneur of the Year, Dr Ruwini Cooray represents the powerful intersection of science, innovation and entrepreneurship.

A Deakin PhD graduate in Neuroscience, Dr Ruwini is the founder and biotech executive behind Neurogen Global, a Melbourne‑based startup developing advanced biological brain implants to help restore function in patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Her collaborations span The University of Melbourne, The Florey Institute and St Vincent’s Hospital, establishing an international platform for cutting‑edge neurotechnology.

‘Deakin gave me the flexibility to explore multiple career directions during my PhD, which broadened my perspective beyond academic research. Balancing laboratory work, teaching and supervision strengthened my time‑management and operational discipline,’ Dr Cooray reflected of her Deakin experience.

Dr Ruwini’s commitment extends far beyond the lab. As a mentor through the BrainSTEM Victoria program, she has guided more than 2,000 school students. Her initiatives, including the Nova‑Intelligence Network, bring together researchers, investors and global partners to accelerate breakthroughs in biological intelligence.

‘This award validates the decision to combine advanced scientific training with entrepreneurial risk‑taking. It recognises that researchers can lead commercially viable innovation and that translational science has a place in Victoria’s global innovation landscape.’

At Deakin, she also contributed as a Sessional Academic, Graduate Research Teaching Fellow and Research Fellow, mentoring students at every level. Her message for others beginning the research‑to‑startup journey is simple: ‘It is worth taking risks and not limiting yourself to traditional or comfortable pathways.’

Building community and belonging in regional Victoria

For Vish Goswami, winner of the International Student of the Year – Regional award, leadership starts with belonging.

As a Master of Construction Management (Professional) student at Deakin’s Geelong Waterfront campus, Vish has spent his time creating physical and social spaces that empower others.

Vish founded BuildHub Deakin, a community connecting construction and built‑environment students with mentors and industry networks. Through workshops, site visits and internship pathways, BuildHub has already supported hundreds of students to find their footing in Victoria’s regional workforce. He explains,

‘Receiving the International Student of the Year – Regional award is deeply personal and profoundly meaningful. It represents validation of the resilience, purpose and community‑driven work that has shaped my life since arriving in Australia after visa delays and leaving home on just 12 hours’ notice.’

Beyond BuildHub, Vish serves on Deakin’s Academic Board, the Teaching and Learning Committee, and the Deakin University Student Association. His leadership extends to the wider community through ambassador roles with Study Melbourne, Study Geelong, Deakin Talent and the Australian Red Cross.

Regional study, he says, has shaped his professional identity and purpose:

‘Regional Victoria, especially Geelong, has shaped me in ways I never expected. The community feels close‑knit and deeply supportive, which accelerated my development as both a leader and a construction professional. The kindness I received in Geelong changed my life, and since then, I have made it my mission to ensure no international student feels alone the way I once did.’

Vish’s vision is to combine sustainability, innovation and community‑focused design in future infrastructure projects, helping regional Victoria grow with integrity and inclusion.

Leading innovation in digital technology

Completing Deakin’s trio of award recipients, Emily Chin, a Bachelor of Information Systems and IT (Honours) alumna, was named the Emerging Leader – International Alumni Award winner.

Now an Operations Manager at IBM, Emily oversees a $2 million data and AI portfolio, serves on the Australian Information Industry Association Council, and mentors women in STEM through programs such as STEM Sisters and Women4STEM.

During her time at Deakin, Emily founded the FinTech Lab, delivered more than 15 industry‑linked SummerTech Live projects, and co‑led award‑winning collaborations that showcase Deakin’s strength in industry engagement.

A global community

Across disciplines and continents, Dr Ruwini, Vish and Emily share a common thread: they each turned personal ambition into community impact. Their stories show how Deakin helps bring to life the wonderful possibilities we are all capable of, and reminds us that global innovation starts with opportunity, mentorship and the courage to think differently.

From Geelong to Melbourne and across the globe, Deakin’s international community continues to lead with purpose and vision.

Discover how your Deakin journey could shape wonderful possibilities across the world.